16 September 2010

I am enraged, again, with this story about the pro-life righteous, religious, right-wing-nutters in the USA.

Is there no end to other people deciding how a woman comes to a decision about seeking an abortion? I'm beginning to realize that all the die hard pro-lifers seem to believe that a woman thinks 'Ho-hum, I'm pregnant. I better find an abortion clinic and get rid of the damn thing.'

Where are the 'fathers' in the picture? Why aren't they hauled in and made accountable for THEIR actions? Is there any pregnancy without a male partner, artificially inseminated or not?

Having lived through the era when it was a criminal offence for a woman to seek an abortion, I am livid to see this ugly hatred for women who choose to control their own bodies and destinies returning.

More, I support true democratic process and have spent a good deal of this space writing about that. No matter the topic of the day, the problem almost always returns to the majority of voices having been left unheard.

Democratic reform topped the list of WISE's three major goals. The WISE women, all of whom lived in households of very low income, knew that unless politicians were forced to heed the voices of the people who elect them, nothing would change for us or for the majority of the masses. The only real benefits would accrue to the already well-connected or well-to-do.

So I'm tickled pink that British Columbia will be holding a referendum on the HST next September, that the result will be based on a simple majority vote and that its outcome will determine the fate of the HST in this province.

As long as policies and decisions are determined on the basis of meaningful consultation with an informed electorate, and any referenda are based on a simple majority vote, I'm prepared to accept their consequences. If I don't like the consequences, I will work to change people's minds.

Meaningful, truthful dealing by governments with the people. The people using suasion amongst themselves and with their political representatives. That's how a democracy is supposed to function.

Chrystal Ocean: Social libertarian; democratic reformer; passionate activist for housing reform, especially for changes in property laws to be more inclusive of housing alternatives; atheist; founder of a group run by and for women in poverty, author of several blogs and a book. Contact | Complete profile

Daphne Moldowin: I have chosen a minimalist lifestyle, am a raw food vegan and an anti-capitalist. For me, less means more freedom: to rage against the machine and to speak my mind. I champion others who have small voices. Complete profile